A former Kaizer Chiefs player has shared his insights on what it’s like to be a striker for a club as massively supported as the men in Black and Gold, with pressure the name of the game.
The 40-year-old retired center-forward played for the Glamour Boys from 2007 to 2010, but like many players before and after him, he struggled to reach his full potential.
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Since parting ways with Serbian striker Samir Nurkovic in 2022, Kaizer Chiefs have been unable to find a consistent and reliable striker.
“To be a Chiefs striker, you need a character that can withstand pressure; the expectations at Chiefs are extremely high,” Bulu tells KickOff.
“Football is changing; these days, midfielders and defenders shoot from range to try to score instead of just passing the ball to the strikers.
“Being a Kaizer Chiefs striker is not easy. There are no friendly games at Kaizer Chiefs; every match is scrutinized by the fans. Strikers often find it hard to settle in because there’s no time for that.
“I remember joining Chiefs; my first training session with the team was on a Thursday. I was recommended by Cyril Nzama, whom I grew up with in Pimville. I did well in set pieces that day. The following week, I continued with my trial. Coach Kosta Papic wanted to sign me, but I was told to wait; the club was expecting the new coach, Muhsin Ertugral, to make his own decision regarding my signing. I was informed that Papic's contract would not be extended.
“Bobby Motaung told me, ‘We can’t sign you now since there will be a new coach very soon.’ I ended up training with Chiefs for almost a month.
“They signed me because of my talent, even though the new coach saw me as a winger or a number 10 rather than a target man. I was advised not to stay close to the opposition defenders.
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“Personally, what hindered my progress at Chiefs were the injuries. I’m talking about long-term injuries. In my first season, before the league even started, I got injured—an Achilles tendon injury. As a result, I didn’t play the entire season and only made an appearance in the last league game against Black Leopards.
“I was competing for a position with Kaizer Junior, Jose Torrealba, Serge Djiehoua, David Radebe, Rotsen Kilambe, and Shaun Bartlett.”
Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images
